Join the friars in the upper garden for the annual Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m., at the Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington, DC 20017.
Dogs, cats, birds, gerbils, horses, hamsters, fish and other pets are welcome (must be accompanied by a human). This annual blessing is held near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals – and founder of the Franciscan order.
FMGG members and others also are invited to join the friars in celebrating the feast of St. Francis at the Transitus on Monday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. (marking his transition from earthly to eternal life) and Mass on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, at 6 a.m., 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.